VIU Alumni

Thank you to everyone who attended the annual year-end celebration at VIU’s tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus! It was great meeting a fresh batch of VIU Alumni and being part of the new campus tradition: The Message Tree! Students and guests were invited to write a message to future students beginning in September and hang their leaf on the tree (which is now installed in our lobby).

Congratulations to all students, graduating and continuing, on your hard work, focus and positive attitudes this year!

When Nicole Smith started at VIU, her plan was to become a teacher. Then a casual conversation in a philosophy class resulted in a change of direction and a career in law. Now a partner at Ramsay Lampman Rhodes, Nicole credits her time at VIU with building the critical thinking, writing and work ethic that shaped her success while balancing the demands of motherhood, full-time work and her studies.

Learn more about Nicole’s journey and her advice for current students: https://news.viu.ca/alumni-spotlight-nicole-smith

Huge thank you to TD Bank for being such a long-standing and valued partner of VIU- your continued support truly makes experiences like this possible.
To all of our amazing alumni who won tickets and joined us in the VIP area at the CCAA Men's Basketball Nationals what an incredible energy you brought. It was so great to connect, celebrate and cheer together.
A massive shout out to the VIU Mariners athletics team for hosting an outstanding event. From start to finish, you created an unforgettable experience for all teams and guests, well done.
Finally to our Men's Mariners team - Congratulations!, you are golden in our eyes.

What a tournament, what a week! Thank you to our sponsors and supporters for making the 2026 CCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship a success.

A grateful VIU Athletics & Recreation slam dunk goes out to:

Presenting Sponsor: TD Insurance / TD Canada

National Sponsors: Sport Canada, OneTeam Sports Group, Molten, Jostens, 4Imprint, Vereburn Medical Supply, Hudl, Canada Basketball

Event Partners: VIU Alumni, VIU Students' Union, Tourism Nanaimo, viaSport British Columbia

Webcast Sponsor: Rob Grey Personal Real Estate Corporation

Courtside Sponsor: Kevin Barfoot Contracting

Nutrition Partners: Quality Foods, Body Armor

Tournament Bracket Partner: Harbour Air

Printing partner: Print Three

Gym Scaffolding: Industrial Scaffold Services L.P.

Pizza Partner: Panago

Welcome Gift Partners: Moose Hide Campaign Hornby Organic Red's Bakery Cure Soaps Inc.

Media Production Partners: SportsCanada.tv(livestream production), Mary Kessenich (game photography), Trivision (video highlights/recaps), plus play by play from Paul Eberhardt, Dylan Marsden, and Kaleb Green

Special thanks as well to the Malaspina Theatre and VIU theatre students for hosting the awards night, VIU’s Arbutus Catering for the welcome banquet meals, John Gardiner for awards night photography, the VIU campus community for being gracious hosts, and the VIU Gym staff for accommodating countless tournament requests. It takes a village! 🙌

Disability and sexuality are rarely discussed in the same sentence in health-care settings. Jenise Finlay, a University of Victoria PhD student and a VIU Bachelor of Science in Nursing alum, is challenging that bias through a new study that explores the intimate lives of people living with chronic pain.

Jenise, a registered nurse and advanced practice nurse with more than 10 years of experience working in sexual health, is a Social Dimensions of Health student and prestigious Trudeau Scholar with the School of Public Health and Social Policy. Congrats Jenise!

Learn more about her research:

Let’s talk about sex—and disability - UVic News UVic PhD student Jenise Finlay is challenging bias through a new study that explores the intimate lives of people living with chronic pain.

Congratulations to Harleen Kalra, the winner of our Moments that Matter raffle! 🎉

Harleen, an alumna of VIU’s Master of Educational Leadership program and a current staff member, will be enjoying a special Vancouver Island Experience, courtesy of Moments Hospitality Collective.
Together, we raised $5,955 for the Access Fund, which helps VIU students push through emergency financial challenges and stay on track with their education. 🙌
This is one of the first wins of our Ripples of Change Campaign, which aims to raise $2 million for scholarships, awards and bursaries by 2027. 🌊
Let’s keep the ripples going! Learn more at viu.ca/ripples

Saurya Mishra credits his hands-on learning at VIU for helping get him to where he is today. After landing his first role through a VIU career fair, the Hospitality Management alum is now General Manager of the Best Western Dorchester Hotel in Nanaimo!

Learn more about his career journey, his time at VIU and his advice to current and future students: https://bit.ly/3M6vCoV

Thank you to the VIU Mariners volleyball alum who came to alumni day on January 31! After the varsity games, alumni took over the courts for some play and then went to the VIUSU pub for a social afterwards. The Alumni team loved meeting you!

Next up is Basketball Alumni Day on February 21! Cheer on the current varsity teams as they battle the Douglas College Royals in their final home games of the season: women's game at 1 pm, men's game at 3 pm. Enjoy the games from a dedicated alumni section with refreshments and pizza. You can also pick up tournament passes to the CCAA Men’s Basketball National Championship at VIU March 18 to 21.

From performing on Vancouver Island to bringing characters to life at sea, VIU Alum Michael Joseph’s journey is one powered by passion, hard work and a love for theatre. Michael grew up in Port Alberni and graduated from the Theatre Diploma program in 2024. Now he works as a Character Performer with Disney Cruise Line!

Learn more about Michael and his time at VIU, his onboard occupation and his advice for current students: https://bit.ly/4cbk9ih

Congratulations to VIU Alum Daniel Gardiner!

Daniel graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Major in Accounting. He's currently Senior Vice-president at KPMG Corporate Finance in Vancouver and has now been named as an 2026 CPABC Early Achievement Award recipient, along with four other honourees.

“These honourees are exceptional young leaders who have applied expertise and innovation to attain significant success across numerous areas,” said said Lori Mathison, FCPA, LLB, president and CEO of CPABC. “They are shaping the future and we are proud to honour their achievements.”

It’s the latest accolade for Daniel, whose resume also includes scoring in the top 1% nationally on the CPA Common Final Exam, earning ACG BC’s 2023 Rising Star Award and being and appearing on the BC Business 30 Under 30 List for 2025.
He also gives back by sponsoring the Daniel Gardiner Business Excellence Scholarship at VIU.

Fantastic work Daniel!